Large scale indiscriminate violence has become the reality of today's terrorism

There has been a large scale spurt in terrorist activity in recent years. None of us feel safe in visiting public places anymore as in the twenty first century; there is a general feeling that terrorism attacks can take place anywhere and at any moment without warning. Lots of funds are being invested by major nations in fighting this unwanted menace to make this world a safer place to live in. However, apart from undertaking military measures in combating terror, there is also a growing need to assess the psychological mindset of terrorists. Gaining insight into the mind of a terrorist or potential terrorist can be quite helpful as it can help prevent terrorist attacks even before they occur by focusing and interpreting terrorism related behavior.

Terrorists are usually people who may suffer from extremely low levels of self-esteem. Such people are characterized by a definitive lack of career options or a stable source of income. They are in the search of a goal in life and attaching themselves to a terrorism propagating group raises their level of confidence and enables them to feel important and useful. Such people may not showcase any leadership skills in other life areas but may exhibit strong leadership tendencies while working for such groups.

Terrorist always try to justify the violence and killing in the name of religion. Although in popular cultures, suicide is deemed to be an act of cowardice that a person performs only when he/she loses all hope; in a few religions, it is considered as an act of martyrdom that is duly rewarded by God in the afterlife. The family of people who are willing to be a part of suicide bombings and walk into the clutches of death of their own accord are felicitated and accorded an important position in the society apart from being bestowed with honors and monetary rewards.

Terrorist organizations work with a fixed agenda. They provide justification for their actions by fixing upon an injustice that is seemingly being committed against them. They view the affluent class of society as evil who are supposedly preventing their progress. Instead of working for their goals, they take to violence and adopt the path of aggression and mass murders. They hardly ever show any guilt as they perceive other people as objects and a metaphor for evil. This makes it hard for them to show any emotion regarding the loss of human lives.

The training of a terrorist and the development of such a mindset begins quite early on in life in most terrorism related camps. The age group of ten or eleven is considered to be most appropriate by the terrorist leaders as this is the stage when children like to indulge in a tit for tat kind of a behavior. The leaders make sure that these children are stuck in a rut regarding this mindset and never outgrow it even as they become adults. They are taught to fight against injustices through violent activities. The kids do not really know a different way of life and by the time that they can realize the difference between good and bad, it is most definitely too late for them to escape their respective groups or terrorist camps.

© Cristiano Ronaldo for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
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(The old time bank robber, John Dillinger was once ask, ” Mr. Dillinger, why do you rob banks?” Dillinger replied “Because that’s where the money is.” So. how secure is your financial facility’s  security. In today’s strapped economy, with more and more individuals losing their jobs, homes and bank accounts, crime perpetrated against financial instructions is on the rise.  And, bank employment continues to be an ever increasing profession risk.)

The Bank Protection Act (BPA), established in 1968 and amended in 1991, was established to discourage bank robberies, burglaries and larcenies and to assist in the  identification and prosecution of persons who commit such acts. The Board of Directors is responsible for compliance with the BPA and is responsible for adopting a written security program. The bank is also required to have a designated security officer. The problem with the BPA is that it only establishes minimum security measures. Banks should  use the BPA Standards to assist them in developing a more precise Security Program.

What makes  the financial instructions so inviting? Most financial facilities  error on the side of Customer Relations, rather than Security. However,  a few simple security provisions,   can  increase both the  public relations and provide better security.

There are many subtle structural and procedural provision, that will tend to reduce the criminal activity, without being offensive to the customer. Some such procedures  are discussed below. The subjects mentioned are not all inclusive of facility security but hopefully will prompt some ideas to increase your continued research and prevention.

The Tellers are very important, as they are in the forefront, with respect to good customer relations and crime prevention. So, take good care of them.

Recently, I walked into my local bank facility and noticed that the Tellers all had their full names displayed on the counter name plates. This is a security no-no. Tellers, as well as all banking  employees, should  only reveal their first names and never give their full names, for obvious reasons. 

HERE ARE SOME COVERT SECURITY MEASURES TO CONSIDER

The Teller Line should be, equipped with a full length exit door, with an automatic closer, a wide angle peep lens and a lock requiring an outside key and a continuous parapet counter, to deter a would be robber from jumping the counter and accosting the tellers.

Teller Cash Policies should be established, such as top drawer cash limits and keeping the bottom reserve door locker could conceivably reduce a robbery cash loss. Having bait money and dye packs, also tend to decrease robbery loss.

The Teller should be comfortable in knowing that pulling the bait money trap or pushing the alarm button, will set off an unnoticeable silent alarm. And she or he need do nothing to set off the TV Cameras as they run continuously

A good comprehensive Open and Closing procedure would have a propensity to deter a would be “Morning Glory” or “After Hours” robbery. Robberies outside of banking hours, especially during opening and closing, cause the larger losses.

A Cash Chest should be considered, which is equipped with a time delay lock, and located in a room, with a closed and locked day gate, which is separated from the safe deposit boxes, tends to deter a run in type robber. Especially when a sign is posted, advertising the time day.

Continuous Employee Training is essential to a good security program,  and  should be held at intervals no longer than six months. Portions of the Security Policy should randomly be discussed.

In this day-of-age, Executive Profile Forms are essential  to enhance the safety of employees, during  normal daily activity. The forms should be required for upper level management and any other employees, including tellers, deemed  vulnerable. The forms should remain confidential and be keep in a locked file, which is only accessible by the Security Officer. The forms should be updated annually.

Records are necessary, for audit compliance, as well as a schedule reminder and training reminder. Records should include alarm and camera testing, crime incidents, and employee training. The records should be housed in a secure file, located in the main Security Office.

In a diversified environment, such as a financial facility, it becomes necessary to have one or more employees in the capacity of Bank Investigator, Credit Card Investigator, or in a similar security position. These employees are labeled Quasi-Police, and should  be authorized to carry firearms. They should also be required to work closely, with the law enforcement authorities,  at all levels of crime affecting the financial establishment. 

In conclusion, it is paramount in this competitive age, that you protect your customers, employees and assets, by creating an attitude of preparedness and concern. Only such attitude will ensure the safety of employees and customers alike.

Please note: this article was designed to give a reduced synopsis of an ideal financial  security plan. To develop a comprehensive  Security Plan or schedule a Financial Security Seminar, contact Charles Robey at email address ccrobey@charter.net.

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Social networking sites have become immensely popular these days. They are deemed as the best way to stay in touch with new and old friends, acquaintances and relatives. Social networking sites have become a medium of sorts to share your world with others and be a part of their worlds as well. There is a plethora of social networking sites such as MySpace, Orkut, Face book, Twitter and LinkedIn available on the internet.

When letting their children use these social networking sites, parents should keep a few things in mind. It is important to understand that these websites are not the actual danger. There are people who hide their actual identity and use these websites as a tool for their ulterior motives. There are plenty of sexual predators that might harm children. They can expose children to sexually explicit videos, pictures and other content. Children out of their curiosity might have a look at such lewd sexual content. Researchers say that such kind of exposure is not good for the child. Older children might also be in the line of fire. Teenagers are restless, susceptible and easily fall prey to such acts. Teenagers who upload photographs especially girls should be aware that these photographs can be misused. Parents should instruct children not to reveal personal details on social networking sites. Teenagers and children usually befriend strangers and foreigners on these websites. These strangers don’t reveal any truthful detail about themselves and parents should warn their charges to stay away from them. There have been numerous cases where terrorist have befriended children of security personnel in order to obtain sensitive information. It is imperative that parents explain such risks to their wards in a kind manner which does not displease their children.

Adults also could face serious consequences if they post sensitive material relating to their jobs on these websites. Recently an Israeli soldier posted details of his next operation on Face book. As a result he was suspended and the operation he was so excited about was called off. The web pages generated on social networking sites can be hacked into, can be corrupted with malware and can be used to embed spy ware. By hacking into someone’s personal account hackers can obtain sensitive information from their personal computer, like credit card number. Number of cases of identity theft, fraud and spamming are on the rise and children particularly are vulnerable.

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What is Suicide Bombing?

One of the most horrifying and hard to control form of terror is Suicide Bombing. This is an attack with intention to kill others and make huge damages, while the attacker expects to kill himself in the process.

Present terrorism and Suicide Bombers

The number of suicide bombing attacks, have been increased in the past few years. Countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan had witnessed the most.  These attacks have been aimed at diverse military and civilian targets in countries like Sri Lanka, Israel since July 6, 1989, Iraq (since the US invasion in 2003), Pakistan and Afghanistan since 2005. In Pakistan more than 3,000 people have been killed in suicide bombing since 2007.

It is not true that suicide bombing is done by the Islamists, in Sri Lanka; Hindu Liberation Tigers of Eelam were also indulging in such activities. In Bagdad there had been many cases of suicide bombing in last few years and many of them were very shocking. In Bagdad a girl of 13 years was made suicide bomber in the month of November 2008.

Even after taking precautions of such situations very strictly in Pakistan, a recent suicide bombing took place in Peshawar on 5^th March 2010. In this bombing 12 people were killed and many were injured.

Suicide Bombing and Taliban

Taliban claimed the responsibility for bombing inside a United States Afghan Base. This was done by a suicide bomber recently. These kinds of activities were done by Taliban very frequently from many years. It is said by a recent report that Taliban is about to unleash 3000 suicide bombers in Pakistan. Taliban is still considered as the biggest and the greatest source of terrorism in whole world due to the production and supply of Heroin in the whole world as it helps them in procuring arms and ammunition from international arms smugglers.

© Ron McBride for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Suicide Bombing, terrorism

Do you consider yourself street smart?  Being street smart is different from being book smart.  It involves knowing your way around, being able to handle yourself, avoiding tough situations, and being able to read people of different sorts.  If you don’t think yours street smart then consider the following.  First, you should follow your intuition – trust your feelings.  If you feel that a situation is not right, move out of the situation.  Second, be aware of your surroundings.  In social situations, be alert to places and situations that make you vulnerable.  Third, walk confidently and alertly.  Whether you’re walking to school or to the bus, hanging out on the playground, or riding your bike in your neighborhood, or even as an adult at a car dealership trying to negotiate price, being street smart helps you stay safe and it helps you be a more productive and “in tune” person.  Here are some other street smart safety tips from the Seattle Police Department - 

•Be aware that walking alone at night may be dangerous.

•If you are being followed or you see a person or group further down the street whom makes you feel uncomfortable then cross the street, walk in another direction, or ask other people walking if you may walk a short distance with them.

•Walk near the curb, in the middle of the street, and away from buildings, trees and shrubbery, which can hide potential assailants.

•When walking near the car to your home, condo, or apartment, carry your house keys in your hand. Don’t stand in a doorway and fumble in your purse or pocket for your keys. Have them out and ready to use.

•Use a grocery cart when you have many packages. You make a good mark when your arms are full.

•Always dress so that movement is not restricted.

•Try to vary your routine routes of travel. Most rapists have been found to study their victim’s habitual patterns.

•While waiting for public transportation, keep your back against a wall (or pole) so that you cannot be surprised from behind.

•Know your routes. Notice lighting, alleys, abandoned buildings and street people.

•Pick out places that you consider safer, places where you can either make a stand or reassure yourself that you are not being followed or watched (i.e., lit porches, bus stops, stores, etc.).

•If you are going somewhere in a city with which you aren’t familiar, check a map, know where you are going. Looking lost increases vulnerability.

If You Are Confronted

•If may seem like a good idea to tell a robber that you have no money, but this technique may backfire. It is safer to give up a few dollars. Carry a little money separate from your other funds in an accessible place.

•If someone demands your property and displays or implies in any way that they have a weapon, don’t resist.

•If someone tries to grab you, make a scene. Scream, kick, fight…do what you can to get away and attract attention.

The peace of mind that a secure home offers is invaluable. And statistics have proven what you already know by common sense: a complete alarm system is an excellent deterrent to intrusion.

© Annie Blanco for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
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( Does your financial organization have a “Disaster Recovery Plan?)

By Charles C. Robey

A disaster is any event which leaves the financial instruction, in a non-productive state and most disasters will likely occur with very little warning. With this in mind, the financial industry, more than any other business entity, has the most critical need for a rapid continuation of essential services.

The financial industry refers to this critical time as  T-Time or , or two days is the maximum  time a financial institution may effectively survive without non-productive  data processing. After the T-Time expires. the effects of loss of business and public confidence can greatly reduced the financial instructions trust.

There are two  main disaster types, in which all  disasters are grouped.

NATUREL- Floods, Tornadoes, Earthquakes, Winter Storms and Hurricanes and

MAN MADE- Fires, Riots, Strikes, Sabotage, War, and Bomb Threats. 

One cannot assume, in today’s uncertain  atmosphere, that operation contingency plans are not necessary, regardless of the probability. Nor, can one predict that the most common disastrous event would occur during a time when the facility(s) are empty or   a minimum staff is at hand. Also, don’t be so naive to assume  the probability of a disaster event, disrupting more than one banking locations simultaneously, is not possible. So, your financial instruction must prepare for the worse and hope for the best.

In the interest of time and space, it is not expedient  to draft a comprehensive Disaster Plan, at this time. So we will give a synopsis or outline of a model plan.

Your Disaster Recovery Plan should start with a statement of Purpose. Followed by an Objective and Mission Statement. Included in the above policies, should be a statement, listing the Disaster Declaration Authority. This Disaster Declaration Authority list should also include emergency telephone numbers, for all participants.

Example

One Executive Officer and one Senior Officer or three of any combination of Senior Officers are authorized to declare a disaster for __________.   

The Disaster Recovery plan  should include an, easy to read,  “Event Notification Flow Chart”. giving certain responsibilities in a number of scenarios such assessing injury, assessing site damage, assessing  equipment damage, and assessing relocation plans. This flow chart should be ready available to all site managers and should include emergency telephone numbers, for all site management personnel.

The Event Notification Flow Chart should also include a listing of Notification Guidelines. to include; Do not give messages regarding a disaster to anyone except identifiable team members and only the Public Relations Officers officer should talk to the press.

A  Command Center, listing, a primary and alternate physical location, should be established in advance, with the primary location being the organization’s main operation center.  The facility  should also consider the location, and transportation availability.

A  Vendor Emergency Telephone List, is very important in the disaster reconstruction and  should list the  available data processing  hardware, communications, security and facility contractors vendors.

In order to assure the Disaster Recovery Plan is up-to-date, a consistent plan review should be conducted monthly. This is due in part to normal changes that occur, within the organization structure, such as, senior management changes,  and facility changes

 It is recommended that monthly Disaster Recovery Plan Refresher  Sessions be held, with all manage personnel, along with  periodic “dry run” drills, to ensure the plans effectiveness.

Remember, most disasters will occur with little or no warning and may not necessarily start with a large impressive event. And your  primary disaster concern is the safety and well being of your personnel and customers. Then secondary to the employee and customer safety, is maintaining  the records and the minimum disruption of services.

Good Luck!

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CQ Press – the organization that annually ranks U.S. cities and states according to crime statistics – has released the 2010 version of the list. Nevada has the worst ranking, New Hampshire has the best.

In a press release, CQ Press announced that New Hampshire received the lowest crime rate ranking again this year, followed by Vermont and North Dakota.  New Hampshire reported only 13 murders out of a population of 1.3 million.  The state had the second lowest rate for aggravated assault with only 94.7 cases per 100,000 citizens in 2008.  

Ranked least favorably among the states was Nevada, followed by New Mexico and Louisiana.  Nevada’s murder rate was just over six times higher than New Hampshire’s, and the Silver State reported a rape rate of 42.4 cases per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 29.3.  Nevada also tops the list for robbery rate, with an average 248.9 reported cases per 100,000 citizens versus the national rate of 145.3, and New Hampshire’s rate of 31.8.  

Here’s a look at the top crime-ridden states –

1.  Nevada

2.  New Mexico

3.  Louisiana

4.  South Carolina

5.  Tennessee

6.  Florida

7.  Delaware

8.  Maryland

9.  Arizona

10. Arkansas

CQ Press said it based its ranking on an analysis of crimes reported to the FBI in six categories.  The methodology used to produce the statistics presented in this book is fairly straightforward and involves a multistep process.  First, the reported crime rates across the six categories—murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and motor vehicle theft—are compared to the national reported crime rates and then indexed to create a summary score and ranking across six areas of reported violent and property crime. The rest of the analyses are simple calculations of frequency, percent, rate, and percent change of reported crime and other criminal justice information.

CQ Press’s annual rankings of crime in states, cities, and metropolitan areas are considered controversial by some in the law enforcement community. The FBI, police, and many criminologists caution against ranking according to crime rates.  They correctly point out that crime levels are affected by many different factors, such as population density, composition of the population (particularly the concentration of youth), climate, economic conditions, strength of local law enforcement agencies, citizen attitudes toward crime, cultural factors, education levels, crime reporting practices of citizens, and family cohesiveness.  Accordingly, crime rankings often are deemed “simplistic” or “incomplete.”

However, this criticism is based largely on the fact that there are reasons for the differences in crime rates, not that the rates are incompatible.  

The rankings tell an interesting and an important story regarding crime in the United States.  Annual rankings not only allow for comparisons among different states and cities, but also enable leaders to track their communities’ crime trends from one year to the next.  City Crime Rankings helps concerned Americans learn how their communities fare in the fight against crime.

The new edition of Crime State Rankings features an introduction by criminologist Rachel Boba (Florida Atlantic University) that explains the formula used to compile the rankings and offers new insight into the methodology used by the editors.

© Annie Blanco for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: CQ Press, Crime in America, Crime-Ridden States

A number of movements to legalize the use of marijuana have been gaining momentum.  Already there are places in California where it’s legal for medical purposes and in other parts of the nation too.  In fact, 14 states now allow medical marijuana.  However, as the Associated Press reports, patients, growers, and clinics in some of those states are falling victim to robberies, home invasions, shootings, and even murders at the hands of marijuana thieves.

To highlight the crime wave is a NBC news story out of Colorado Springs in which two places carrying medical marijuana became robbery targets in just one week.  Police say in one incident two men threatened employees with a knife then sprayed mace on them.  The robbers locked the employees in a back room and took marijuana and cash.  Those culprits are still on the loose.  The other incident involved robbers who used a stun gun on people inside of a Colorado Springs home that grew marijuana, but these are not isolated incidences, according to the local NBC TV station. 

To add to the increase in crime, in late February Colorado Springs police arrested a man for burglarizing three medical marijuana dispensaries in a half-hour time period.  Meanwhile, in mid September of last year a woman and her young child were beaten when robbers invaded their home for the medical marijuana she grew inside her house.  All this, of course, makes security a top concern for people in the medical marijuana business.

“There’s things in here people would want that could easily turn into cash,” says Mike Kopta, owner of Natural Advantage medical marijuana dispensary.

Before Kopta opened his business, he says he spent $30,000 on security systems – locks, cameras, lights, bars, and barbed wire.  Every employee, including himself, wears a panic button on a chain around their neck.

“We can hit that and there would be all kinds of noise, plus the police would be on their way,” says Kopta.

The marijuana crime issue received even more attention in mid March after a prominent medical marijuana activist in a Seattle suburb nearly killed a robber in a shootout – the eighth time thieves had targeted his pot-growing operation.

Critics say this criminal activity proves that marijuana and crime go hand in hand.  However, on the other side of the proverbial coin, marijuana advocates argue that further legalization is the answer.  The debate comes as California and Washington advocates push to pass legal measures to allow all adults, not just the chronically ill, to possess the drug.

“Whenever you are dealing with drugs and money, there is going to be crime.  If people think otherwise, they are very naive,” Scott Kirkland, the police chief in El Cerrito, California, told the Associated Press.

“People think if we decriminalize it, the Mexican cartels and Asian gangs are going to walk away.  That’s not the world I live in,” Kirkland said.

Meanwhile, back in Colorado Springs, District Attorney Dan May says he’d rather see medical marijuana treated more like medicine and less like a commercial business.  Perhaps that is the answer.

“The dispensary model brings crime with it,” says May.  ”You’re seeing burglaries, robberies, home invasions.”

May says people are abusing the system, and it is up to lawmakers and law enforcers to decide what kind of system should be set up to keep the crimes to a minimum.

© Annie Blanco for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: medical marijuana, pot thieves, Seattle Marijuana shooting

In Nicaragua, the U.S. Embassy in Managua is issuing a message to American citizens to exercise extra caution over the Semana Santa (Holy Week) holiday.  Semana Santa is a religious holiday in which thousands of people leave Managua to visit beaches and other tourist sites across Nicaragua.  During Semana Santa police checkpoints on all major roads and intersections are to be expected.  Traffic is heavy, especially on the Saturday and Sunday before Semana Santa (April 4 – 5) and the following Wednesday through Sunday (April 8 – 12).

According to an Embassy press release, Americans are urged to obey all traffic laws and stay within posted speed limits.  The U.S. Embassy reminds Americans that driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and a prosecutable offense.  Defensive driving is also highly recommended.  Travel only during daylight hours.  Roads outside Managua are always dangerous at night because of pedestrian traffic hazards and the presence of negligent or drunk drivers. 

The U.S. Embassy recommends that adults supervise their children at all times while in or near water.  Many of Nicaragua’s best-known resorts do not employ lifeguards to supervise swimmers. The Nicaraguan Pacific Coast is generally thought to be one of the most treacherous in the world and is not guarded by emergency rescue or medical services.

Finally, remember to use your common sense in guarding your property and person.  This is the high season for petty thefts and other types of minor crimes.  These crimes include, but are not limited to, assaults by intoxicated people at bars, verbal assaults of a sexual nature, car-jackings while vehicles are parked in front of gasoline stations and restaurants, and other events of this nature.  Keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

In addition, U.S. citizens have been targeted by criminals posing as Nicaraguan police officers who stop their vehicles – including those operated by reputable hotels – for inspection.  In such cases, the incidents happened after dark and involved gun-wielding assailants who robbed passengers of all valuables and drove them to remote locations where they were left to fend for themselves.  The U.S. Embassy warns U.S. citizens to exercise extreme caution when driving at night from Managua’s International Airport and to avoid traveling the Tipitapa-Masaya Highway at night.

U.S. citizens should exercise caution when approached by strangers offering assistance.  Several U.S. citizens traveling by bus from San Juan del Sur to Managua have reported being victimized by fellow women travelers who offered to assist them in locating and/or sharing a taxi upon arrival in Managua.  In all cases, upon entering the taxi, the U.S. citizens were held at knife-point, robbed of their valuables, and driven around to ATM machines to withdraw funds from their accounts.  Violent robberies within taxis are on the rise.

Violent criminal activities and petty crime are also increasing in tourist destinations like San Juan del Sur.  American citizens have been the victims of armed robberies by assailants wielding machetes, knives, and/or guns along the beaches in and around San Juan del Sur.  U.S. citizens should exercise particular caution when visiting the following beaches: Maderas, Marsella, Yankee, Coco, and Remanso.

© Annie Blanco for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Holy Week Safety, Nicaragua, Semana Santa, U.S. Embassy in Managua

This week Boeing unveiled two new versions of its Visual Security Operations Console (VSOC) security management product at the International Security Conference (ISC) and Exposition in Las Vegas.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing is well known for its aerospace and defense platforms used both in the military arena and private sector, but this is its first leap into the commercial security market. 

The two new products are the VSOC Responder and VSOC Smart Building.  This software comes from the same family as the VSOC Sentinel and VSOC Virtual Shield.  These platforms are tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance products used to address the unique requirements of facilities management and emergency operations centers.  But to break that down even further, VSOC Smart Building manages alarm systems, access control systems, HVAC, lighting, IT systems, electrical systems, and UPS.  The new products also build on the sensor-networking capabilities of VSOC Sentinel to display 3-D models and real-time incident information on one computer screen, allowing for greater situational awareness.

 ”VSOC Sentinel and VSOC Virtual Shield have had great success protecting critical infrastructure around the world, so these additional capabilities will only enhance the abilities of first responders and facility managers,” Michael Gannon, VSOC program manager for Boeing, said in a press release.

VSOC is already used in securing high- profile U.S. Government facilities and protecting international commercial installations from intrusion and terrorism.

As a next-generation solution to physical security, VSOC works in this new threat environment to secure DOD facilities, airports, nuclear installations, and utilities. It protects theme parks and campuses as well as commercial, retail, and manufacturing operations.   VSOC is also ideal for closely monitoring correction facilities, ports, and our nation’s borders.

J.T. Thompson Jr of Boeing told SecurityInfoWatch.com that the company is always looking for new markets and the commercial security sector seems ideal for the VSOC platform, which includes the two newest iterations, VSOC Responder and VSOC Smart Building, as well as the existing VSOC Sentinel and VSOC Virtual Shield.

“Global security is our goal and Boeing thinks that (the commercial security market) is a growth engine for us,” Thompson said.

Already over 30 companies have shown interest in becoming channel partners for the VSOC software, according to Thompson.

All these Boeing products are featured on the new VSOC Web site (www.boeingvsoc.com), which was also unveiled this week.  The site features interactive product experiences and serves as a centralized destination for customers and product distributors.

The VSOC platforms are produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security – that’s a unit of the Boeing Company. 

Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

Boeing will bring these commercial products to several other shows throughout the year, including the ASIS International 9th European Security Conference in Lisbon, Portugal in April and the AFCEA Technology Showcase in Nashville, TN in May.

© Annie Blanco for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Boeing, Business Security, ISC West

Cybercrime, a threat that affects one in five online shoppers and cost Americans $560 million in 2009 due to online fraud, may hit closer to home than many realize.  Norton from Symantec teamed up with independent research firm Sperling’s BestPlaces to find and expose the nation’s top 10 cities most vulnerable to cybercrime.

The following are ranked the Norton Top 10 Riskiest Online Cities:

1. Seattle
2. Boston
3. Washington, D.C.
4. San Francisco
5. Raleigh, N.C.
6. Atlanta
7. Minneapolis
8. Denver
9. Austin, Texas
10. Portland, Ore.

According to a Norton press release, the rankings were determined through a combination of Symantec Security Response’s data on cyber attacks and potential malware infections, as well as third-party data about online behavior, such as accessing WiFi hotspots and online shopping.

At the top of the rankings, Seattle claims the dubious distinction of America’s leading riskiest cybercrime city, placing near the top in categories such as cyber attacks and potential infections; online behavior that can expose people more to cybercrime, such as online shopping and banking online; and wireless Internet access.

Boston and Washington, D.C. follow in second and third place.  Both cities experience a very high level of cybercrime, perhaps due in part to their large number of WiFi hotpots.

High-tech hubs San Francisco and Raleigh are ranked fourth and fifth. San Francisco tops the list for riskiest online behavior and highest number of WiFi hotspots per capita. Many of these cities are considered some of the most tech-savvy cities in the nation, proving that even skilled and experienced Internet users are at risk when it comes to cybercrime and online insecurity.

Rounding out the top 10 are Atlanta, Minneapolis, Denver, Austin and Portland. According to the Norton research, Atlanta residents experience the most cyber attacks and potential infections. Minneapolis and Portland are near the top for risky online behavior, while Denver and Austin score high across the board.

“With more people than ever relying on the Internet to stay in touch, shop and pay their bills, feeling confident and secure in our information-driven world is vital,” said Marian Merritt, Norton Internet Safety Advocate.

“This study highlights the cities most at risk of cybercrime and reminds individuals, families and businesses across the country of the hazards they face each time they go online. We’re here to educate consumers about how to protect themselves and ideally never fall victim to cybercrime.”

Of the 50 U.S. cities examined, Detroit came in as the least risky online city. Motor City’s residents were less likely to participate in risky online behavior compared to other cities in the study, and it also ranked low in cybercrime, access to the Internet, expenditures on computer equipment, and wireless Internet access. El Paso, Texas and Memphis, Tenn. came in second and third, respectively, on the list of least risky online cities.

In addition, the following cities are ranked numbers 10 through 20 as far as riskiest online cities:

10. Portland, Ore.
11. Honolulu
12. Charlotte, N.C.
13. Las Vegas
14. San Diego
15. Colorado Springs, Colo.
16. Sacramento, Calif.
17. Pittsburgh
18. Oakland, Calif.
19. Nashville-Davidson, Tenn
20. San Jose, Calif.

© Annie Blanco for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Cybercrime, Identity Theft, Norton, Symantec

As taxpayers begin to organize their financial documents, prepare tax returns and apply for refunds, Thomas Oscherwitz, chief privacy officer for ID Analytics, Inc. and former U.S. Senate Legislative expert on identity fraud, offers the following precautions to safeguard their identity and assets this tax season.

1. Monitor your mailbox. Keep a lookout for official tax forms, like 1099′s and W-2′s. Missing or lost documents could be a sign of identity theft and should be investigated immediately.

2. Protect your sensitive tax documents. During tax time, many of the forms consumers handle have sensitive information of immense value to identity thieves. Keep your tax documents in a safe, secure place that is out of public view.

3. Beware of scams. Tax time is a prime time for fraudsters to target consumers with phony emails asking for their personal information. Remember that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not initiate communication with taxpayers through e-mail.

4. Track IRS communications carefully. If you receive an unusual notification from the IRS, such as a report of wages from an employer you do not know, be alert to possible identity theft.

5. Review your personal information for misuse. For the 97.5 million Americans expected to file electronically this year, take a few minutes to visit www.MyIDScore.com while online to check your risk of identity theft. MyIDScore.com is a free online service that gives consumers immediate insight into whether their personal identifiable information is being used fraudulently to obtain assets, goods or services.

6. Examine your credit report. Tax season is also a good time to get your free annual credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com. The report is provided by the three national credit bureaus and you can request your report from each bureau once a year.

7. Check your annual income statement from the Social Security Administration. A fraudster can steal your SSN and use it to get a job. The fraudster’s employer would then report the fraudster’s wages under your SSN to the IRS. Check for any discrepancies between the income reported and the wages you received. In addition, be aware that the IRS may then think you have not reported all of your income on your tax return.

8. Pay attention to duplicate returns. If someone steals your identity, they could file a tax return first using your SSN. Then when you file your return, the IRS will think you have already received a refund or that you have filed a second copy or duplicate return. This confusion will cause delays in receiving your refund.

9. Contact the IRS if you are victim. The IRS now has a toll-free number to assist identity theft victims. They will mark affected accounts to resolve identity theft issues more quickly. The phone number for the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit is 1(800) 908-4490.

10. Prepare for next year. Begin planning ahead for 2011 by creating a file to organize receipts, official forms and documents on an ongoing basis for peace-of-mind and easy access to reference your important information in the future.

© Annie Blanco for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: ID Analytics, Identity Theft, Tax Season

On the East Coast of the United States, Redner’s Markets has been using facial recognition surveillance for about a year, reducing investigation times by 50 to 75%.

According to a recent press release, Redner’s Markets uses 3VR Security’s SmartRecorder searchable surveillance solution to enhance their security at its grocery and convenience stores.  The deployment of 3VR technology has in turn helped Redner’s reduce losses, improve crime investigation efficiency, and cut down theft of all kinds.

Redner’s has 38 Warehouse Markets and 13 Quick Shoppe convenience outlets throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.

“Redner’s has taken an exemplary approach to cracking down on crime in their grocery and convenience stores,” said Al Shipp, CEO, 3VR. “Oftentimes criminals feel emboldened by the thought that they can outsmart security systems or simply act faster than security personnel can react. Redner’s has taken steps to ensure that this is not the case and have been extremely successful leveraging technology to stay three steps ahead of anyone who is trying to rip them off.”

Redner’s use of 3VR’s sophisticated features, including directional and motion search functions, have cut the time spent searching through video by security personnel by 50-75% on average, drastically accelerating the turn-around time in which they can respond to incidents and submit evidence to the police.  For example, a major security problem in the grocery industry involves people entering a store, filling up a shopping cart with merchandise and then simply running out.  Rather than sifting through footage second by second, Redner’s staff uses 3VR’s directional search capabilities to immediately find the video footage of the individuals exiting the store.  Furthermore, 3VR technology makes it easy to get that information to law enforcement in a timely manner by providing the ability to quickly and easily save this video to a CD or upload it to an FTP site to make it almost instantly available.  This cuts the crime response time to half of what it would have taken with previous security systems.

“3VR has the most advanced system we have seen as far as facial recognition, video quality and the types of video searches it is able to conduct.  The combination of all the functions has proved very powerful for us,” said Cory Deily, Director of Security and Loss Prevention, Redner’s Markets, Inc.  ”On top of that, 3VR’s customer service goes the extra mile.  There are bigger companies out there, but most of them are not willing to work with you.  3VR is always willing to listen and provide suggestions on how they can help us further reduce loss.”

Redner’s has also found the 3VR facial search capabilities especially useful in searching for known criminals and alerting staff of their presence on-site. With ORC (Organized Retail Crime) as a substantial security issue facing the industry, Redner’s has been able to use 3VR to identify and tag members of local ORC groups and alert store security when they enter any Redner’s outlet.  Redner’s has successfully identified and caught shoplifters using this technique, catching thieves as they enter another store after stealing from a separate location.

© Annie Blanco for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 3VR, Business Security, Facial Recognition, Grocery Store Security, Redner's Markets

In Dundee, Scotland, a former math teacher who won an appeal against his sentence for assaulting two male students is calling for CCTV to be installed in schools. 

The case against 52-year old Mike Barile has been playing out for a couple of years now.  Barile was initially fired by Lawside Academy in Dundee in December of 2008, charged with assault, and found guilty.  His life was completely ruined, his home attacked, and his car vandalized, but now a judge says the he shouldn’t have been charged to begin with.

Barile had taught for 25 years before the incident that ended his career.  As the Scotsman reports, the original trial at Dundee Sheriff Court heard the math teacher lost patience after two students, both 15 at the time, told him to “f off” and called him a “walking penis”.  The father of two was found guilty of grabbing a 15-year-old boy’s shirt, pushing him, and threatening to put him “through the blackboard”.   He was also found guilty of placing his arm across the boy’s chest and preventing him from leaving the classroom.  However, Barile launched a legal bid to clear his name and ultimately he did.  Barile was also given an out-of-court settlement by his former employers.

As the Scotsman also reports, Barile was due to take Dundee City Council to an unfair dismissal tribunal after appeal judges ruled him to be the victim of “disgraceful behavior” by the youngsters.  But in a turn of events, just hours before his tribunal was due to open, the council struck a deal with Barile in return for his silence.  Reportedly, the council feared Barile would embarrass the district by giving evidence on teaching standards and conditions.

While Barile is keeping hush about legal matters, he did tell The Courier that the education system was doing youngsters “no favors” by failing to teach them about civilized behavior and that it was vital teachers and pupils were protected from unruly behavior.

“There are two things I think could be done to address the issue of discipline in the classroom—install CCTV Cameras in schools and also introduce detention on Saturday mornings,” he said.

“They wouldn’t necessarily require teachers to be present on these mornings, they could recruit job seekers, but once the youngsters were sent to detention that alone would stop them…Classroom teachers refer kids up through the system, but head teachers have their hands tied—there has to be some kind of sanction that’s unpleasant, something that pupils don’t particularly want to do.”

Barile says that while people might criticize the installation of CCTV, and brand it an invasion of privacy, “this was the reality of the world in which we now live”.

“If it means it’s for the greater good then it’s worthwhile.  It’s protection for everyone—for the kids and for teachers in the room.”

“Ordinary, well-behaved pupils would have absolutely nothing to fear and neither would any teacher worth his or her salt…The only people who would be worried are teachers who aren’t up to scratch and youngsters with something to hide.”

© Annie Blanco for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: CCTV, CCTV in United Kingdom, Mike Barile, School Surveillance, Scottish School Security

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation is reminding individuals to be cautious when using the Internet to advertise rental properties and real estate. The IC3 continues to receive numerous complaints from individuals who have fallen victim to scams involving rentals of apartments and houses, as well as online real estate postings.

According to an FBI press release, rental scams occur when the victim has property advertised and is contacted by an interested party. Once the rental price is agreed upon, the scammer sends a check for the deposit. The check covers housing expenses and is either written in excess of the amount required, with the scammer asking for the remainder to be remitted back, or for the correct amount, but the scammer backs out of the rental agreement and asks for a refund.

Because banks do not usually place a hold on the funds, the victim has immediate access to them and believes the check has cleared. In the end, the check is found to be counterfeit and the victim is held responsible by the bank for all losses.

A second common scam involves real estate that is posted via classified websites. The scammer duplicates postings from legitimate real estate sites, alters them, and reposts them. Often, the scammers use the broker’s real name to create a fake e-mail address, which gives the fraud more legitimacy. When the victim sends an e-mail through the website inquiring about the home, they receive a response from someone claiming to be the owner.

The “owner” typically says he and his wife are doing missionary work in a foreign country and need someone to rent their home while they are away. If the victim is interested, he or she is asked to send money to the “owner” in the foreign country. These funds go directly to the scammer, and the would-be renter loses his or her money.

Ways consumers can protect themselves from these schemes include:

* Do not accept overpayment for rental properties. If you receive a check that’s for more than the specified amount, return it. Do not deposit it.

* Do not wire funds to people you do not know.

* Verify potential renters’ income.

* Request renters’ personal references and follow up with those individuals.

* Check with your county recorder to learn who owns the property you’re seeking to rent.

* Call the property manager or association, if applicable, and ask about the landlord.

* Ask the landlord for a rental application. It’s a red flag if one is not available; most managed properties require an application.

* Find out how much of a security deposit may be requested in your state. Scammers will often ask for extra money in the form of a deposit.

The following requests can be indicators of fraudulent activity:

* The would-be tenant wants to rent or purchase the property sight unseen.

* The potential tenant says he or she is out of the country and he or she would like to send you a cashier’s check.

* The payment is for more than the agreed upon amount.

* There’s urgency to the entire process. For example, the tenant says he or she is arriving in the country next week and needs to establish residency right away.

If you have been a victim of Internet crime, please file a complaint at http://www.IC3.gov.

© Annie Blanco for Security World News, 2010. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: FBI, IC3, Real Estate Scams, Rental scams